Ball, Inner Ring, Cage, Snap Ring Assembly Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Mazda 3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Assemble the shaft, inner ring, and cage with the alignment marks aligned.
CAUTION:
- When using the hammer and urethane bar or equivalent, be careful not to damage the ball, ball sliding area, and cage.
NOTE:
- If the ball, inner ring, and cage cannot be assembled to the shaft, lightly tap the inner ring evenly using a hammer and urethane bar or equivalent, and assemble the ball, inner ring, and cage to shaft.
Fig 1: Ball, Inner Ring And Cage To Shaft Mark
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Assemble a new snap ring using snap ring pliers.

Fig 2: Removing Snap Ring Using Snap Ring Pliers
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Verify that the snap ring is assembled correctly in the groove of the shaft.